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Two new board members at UCB

Posted on Jan 17, 2014 at 11:16 a.m.

Dean Simpson, former state legislator and owner of Dean’s Country Market in Perham and New York Mills, and Jeremy Kovash, executive director for the Lakes Country Service Cooperative, have joined United Community Bank’s Board of Directors.

Simpson is also an active 20-year member of the Lions Club in New York Mills and the Rotary in Perham, having served each organization as president. He has served as president of the New York Mills Civic and Commerce Association and board member for the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce.

Simpson was first elected to the New York Mills City Council in 1973 and became mayor in 1977, a position he held until 2002, when he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives where he served three terms.

Kovash currently serves as a director for Minnesota Rural Education Association, Minnesota Association of School Administrators and the Perham Hospital Board. He previously served on the board of directors for the United Way of Otter Tail County and the Minnesota Humanities Center.

Prior to his current position, Kovash was a teacher of psychology, political science and history in Perham.

“I am very pleased to be involved with the board at UCB,” said Simpson. “We are fortunate to have a community-owned family bank that is community minded and growth orientated. Strong bank, strong community.”

“Being asked to serve on the board is an honor,” said Kovash. “I appreciate the values of the bank and their continued commitment to our communities. These values are evident as the bank looks toward engaging young people in financial literacy. I look forward to working with the outstanding staff at United Community Bank and learning more for my own growth at the same time.”

This announcement is another step in the process of structuring UCB’s long-term strategic focus.

“We are excited about both the business acumen and experience that Dean and Jeremy bring to the table and look forward to their insights going forward,” said Chalie Cavanagh, bank president.

The addition of Simpson and Kovash brings the total number of UCB board members to six. The other members are Jack Cavanagh, Charlie Cavanagh, Bob Cavanagh and Don Swenson.